Tropical North Queensland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Magnetic Island which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and jet skiing
Tropical North Queensland
Maritime Museum of Townsville which includes a lighthouse
Tropical North Queensland
Magnetic Island National Park showing rugged coastline and general coastal views

Rainforests, reefs, grasslands and outback: this part of Australia is a fascinating place of diverse natural attractions and cultural gems.

Tropical North Queensland is a land of extraordinary natural beauty and diversity. This rich environment has helped shape the indigenous culture, which stretches back more than 40,000 years. Embark on a jungle safari, dive the world's largest coral reef system, witness traditional practices and wander through ancient lava tubes.

The gateway to the tropical wonderland of North Queensland is Cairns, a modern, laid-back city on Australia's east coast. Make a day of it on white-sand beaches or tackle the slides at Sugar World Water Park.

Cairns is also an ideal base for exploring one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. Discover its remarkable biodiversity on a snorkeling or diving trip. Get your heart pumping above the surface with watersports such as parasailing and jet skiing.

Surrounding Cairns is the Wet Tropics Rainforests, thought to be the world’s oldest rainforests. Go on long-distance bushwalks, join crocodile spotting tours and picnic by waterfalls. These rainforests have been home to Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years. Learn about the Pamagirri culture and watch a tribal dance show at the Rainforestation Nature Park.

Located 56 miles (90 kilometers) southwest of Cairns is the Atherton Tablelands, part of the Great Dividing Range. This fertile highland region encompasses rainforests, crater lakes, wetlands and savannah. Enjoy an epic bike ride through Atherton Forest, go on self-drive tours and visit the mountain village of Kuranda. Browse its markets, book a riverboat cruise and see tropical butterflies at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

Stop by Atherton town and tour the Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum for insights into the region's Chinese settlers.

Leave enough time to experience more of Tropical North Queensland's environs. Explore the gorges, limestone caves and fossil fields of the Gulf of Savannah, a vast outback region. Venture into a lava tube cave system at Undara Volcanic National Park.

If you are traveling from overseas, fly into Cairns and get ready for a vacation of incredible wildlife encounters, awe-inspiring scenery and fascinating cultural insights.

Where to stay in Tropical North Queensland

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Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Kuranda National Park, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Palm Cove
Cairns which includes a city

Cairns Central Business District

4.5/5(69 area reviews)

Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina.

Cairns Central Business District
Trinity Beach showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach and surfing

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Trinity Beach
Cairns Esplanade featuring a luxury hotel or resort, swimming and a pool

Cairns North

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.

Cairns North
The Strand which includes a sunset, hiking or walking and a garden

The Strand

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to The Strand. A stop by The Strand Beach or Strand Waterpark might round out your trip.

The Strand
Clifton Beach which includes mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while in the area.

Clifton Beach
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street, Manunda, QLD
The price is ₹6,489 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
₹6,489
₹7,138 total
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,020 reviews)
Love this place everytime

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

5 out of 5
Port Douglas Road, Port Douglas, QLD
The price is ₹20,179 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
₹20,179
₹22,197 total
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 12 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
Great holiday

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4 out of 5
209-217 Esplanade, Cairns North, QLD
The price is ₹9,244 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
₹9,244
₹10,168 total
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,034 reviews)
Only place to stay

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

4 out of 5
3-11 Water Street, Cairns, QLD
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,579 reviews)
Property was perfect for us as we needed 2 connecting rooms. Property Manager was great as he was always there to help ordering a Cab when Ubers cancelled trips. Kids loved the option of 3 pools. Great aircon and fans in rooms. Would definatley stay again.

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Oaks Townsville Hotel

Oaks Townsville Hotel

4.5 out of 5
81 Palmer Street, South Townsville, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Townsville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,550 reviews)
The hotel is well positioned and quiet. Rooms are spacious enough for two and have everything we needed. Staff were friendly and helpful. There’s plenty of dining options nearby. We’d stay here again.

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Oaks Townsville Hotel
Mantra Trilogy

Mantra Trilogy

4 out of 5
101 - 105 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free parking, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,276 reviews)
This property is in a great location to restaurants, night markets. The pool needs some maintenance, the surface of the pool is coming off and is nasty on your feet. We felt that linen could be changed every 3 days, not five, as it’s very humid. Staff were great, room was clean & tidy.

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Mantra Trilogy
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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